THE LEGACY OF MWAI KIBAKI

The late President Mwai Kibaki has played a major role both politically and economically having served as the third president for two terms each five years. He took over from his predecessor President Moi whose regime was dictatorial and autocratic, corruption was at optimum with multibillion scandals like Goldenberg and Anglo leasing which were used for money laundering.  The regime came to an end in 2002 the citizen had even come up with the slogan “yote yawezekana Bila Moi” which translates to ‘’everything is possible without Moi’’.

A fresh new leadership was ushered in, at that time the economy had dropped from 4.5% in 2001 to 0.6% in 2002. It was quite tedious and hectic work ahead for the new leadership.

President Kibaki strategized and majored in key areas like Health, Education, infrastructure, and security. Changes and reforms began to be experienced for instance the health care the citizens could access ease reach and affordable health services.

The education sector which had deteriorated, and now pupils and students have access to free education irrespective of locality and background. He went ahead with accredited colleges to universities while others were made a constituent of major universities.

The infrastructure which was in a huge mess was also factored for instance Thika road was upgraded into a superhighway which was 50kms, and roads began to be tarmacked across all parts of the country to enable ease of accessibility and transportation of goods made easier. The Railway which had strolled was also revived which enabled both commuters and ferrying of goods possible.

Reforms and changes began in several sectors of governance, then there was the launching of a new constitution after a referendum was done, bodies like Judiciary, IEBC and the land commission were empowered and made independent.

The pillar of it all was in 2006 when the Vision 2030 was launched, whose main aim was to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle _income country providing high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean secure environment.

Communication was another area that was majored on from a few controlled radios and tv stations, the country began to enjoy several media stations. Service providers began to venture in and mobile phones use began to grow and also access to internet experienced enormous growth.

The banking sector made reforms enabling small and midsize businesses to access credits at fair rates and terms. This led to a major boost in the business sector.

Between 2003 and 2012 the economy of Kenya grew from over 1 trillion to 6.4 trillion which translated to a GDP OF 5.6%.

In 2012 His Excellency Mwai Kibaki retired from politics but he left a legacy and he will forever be remembered for the great work he will forever be entrenched in our hearts may his soul rest in eternal peace.